New-York tribune., 1887-05-15
LONG runs.
THE EXPERIENCES OF LONDON AND NEw-YoRK
MANAGERS.

THE EXPERIENCES OF LONDON AND NEw-YoRK
MANAGERS.
Though we have been treated OF late in New-York
70 sone remarkably lOng of plays and comic
operas il still remlins the that in London tho
average life of play exceeds b, many months that of
it, New-YOrk cOmpeer Various reasons have been
assigned Tor this bat it is generally put down 60 the
lesser interest taken in theatrical affairs By this New
York public, ana the difference in the size OF the two
cities. James G. DUFF. who though young man has
spent many years 10 the theatrical business, and has
been cool observer of affairs in all quarters Cf the
globe, discussed this matter the Othcr day while
chatting In his cosey little Office in the Standard
Theatre with n visitor
" Pll tell you why it really is" said he " and think
will admit the force of my argument In the frat
place the AVERAGE London theatre-putng the old
patent houses such Drury Lane and Coyent
Garoen ont Of the question has a much smaller
seating capacity than the average New-York house.
Some of the most successful London houses cannot by
any force OF crowding hold more than $500, while
as you know even the Madison Square has on moro
than one occasion held considerably over $1,000.
Thus the number OF people who wish TO play are
not disposed OF nearly 50 quickly in London as they
are here But there is something still iIOro TO the
purpose, and that s ths cement OF the London
theatres. As perhaps you awere, the highest
priced seats there the stalls, and 1t TO this
part OF the house alone that the better sort OF people
are accustomed 20 go. In fact, tho people who IN
New York 20 t. ,he orchestra chars in London would
Now there are not more than sixty stalls at the
utmost in London theatre, while in New-lork there
are three four hundred orchestra chars. As long
"a the stalls the orchestra chairs are llec both
London and New York managers are willing TO con-
nue te OF the piece Ii IL Is popular enough TO
run Tor any length OF time NJ oil, aud Is at all
attractive 20 the gallery audiences, 10 will draw them
for an indefinite length OF time. Thus you viii see
that, hxng the number OF pee pie who will come to The
higher price seats during the OF play at certain
number, the New-York manager uses them up just
five times quickly as the Londoner. have often
thought that the ie OF the London manager must be
delightfully."- easy one compared with ours II ms
piece - anything OF success. he simply site down
and takes further heel OF the morrow until Elk
months or year has elapsed. With Us. IA soon as a
success made. the question OF ts successor arises
Mr. Duh referred also while talking on this subject,
to the vast difference OF expense entacd III the pro-
duction OF piece in London compared with New
York.
Everything there is cheaper" he said. @seenery,
including lumber, canvas, paint: Costumes including
the material and tho labor employed to make them
up; salaries ot tho companies salaries OF the
musicians. Of stage managers aud every one connected
with the thri tire in any capacity. The rent OF tho
house Is Infinitely less, and in every way the
LoDdoners expenses abont 30 per cent less than
those Of bis New-York brothers. And yet with all
this his receipts are not much less for though his
house is smaller his pueas Of admission are much
higher Ia iact IS rule. they are nearly double